HM customs and Excise

[Mr Darcy]

Sorry if not in the right forum but I couldn't work out where this one would go. MODS, move it to the correct place if need be.

If buying something second hand from the states does one have to pay the vat and excise duty on it when it arrives in the UK or is it just on new stuff?

[angusfaldo]

Yes.

But unless you are importing second hand hydrocarbons, tobacco, or alcohols you won't have any excise duty to pay.

You may, on the other hand, have customs duty to pay depending on the product.

And don't forget that your import VAT is charged on the customs duty-inclusive price so you oay tax on tax.

[jshell]

The courier will also hit you for a 'processing fee'!

[paprika]

jshell said:

The courier will also hit you for a 'processing fee'!

Is that even legal?

[jshell]

paprika said:

jshell said:

The courier will also hit you for a 'processing fee'!

Is that even legal?

Yup. Bill you for their time processing customs charges. I think it's a racket as they look out for parcels which are due charges and make even more cash than normal. I get hit regularly. s.

[Nickyboy]

jshell said:

paprika said:

jshell said:

The courier will also hit you for a 'processing fee'!

Is that even legal?

Yup. Bill you for their time processing customs charges. I think it's a racket as they look out for parcels which are due charges and make even more cash than normal. I get hit regularly. s.

Bear in mind they have to employ staff in brokerage at the entry point to process all the shipments entering from overseas so its not like they charge for nothing